Biographie
Actor, DJ, Emcee, Raised in Brixton, South London, to Caribbean parents, Skelly Be''s cultural roots run deep. His father, Kitson Berris Anderson, known as DJ K.B.A., is a DJ and music historian from Jamaica, while his mother, Joyce Powell, originally from Nevis, is a retired financial director. Growing up, Skelly Be was immersed in music, influenced by his father's diverse collection spanning Funk, Soul, Rock, Pop, and early Hip Hop. However, Reggae music remained his father's forte and left a lasting impact on Skelly Be.
At the age of 10, Skelly Be moved around different parts of Brixton and became actively involved at Clapham Youth Centre. There, he joined The Brixton Young Entertainers, a musical and theatre production company, where he honed his skills in music, acting, dancing, and poetry. He was also drawn to DJing and Hip Hop culture, frequently spending time around various sound systems and DJs.
At Clapham Youth Centre, Skelly Be became part of three teenage music groups alongside his younger sister, Karen Scarlett aka Sweet K, cousin Freaky D, and his friend and music partner Steve Swaye. The groups-The Hard Rock MCs, The Ragga Muffin Youths, and 18 Karot Gold-allowed Skelly Be to explore multiple roles as a keyboard player, emcee, songwriter, co-producer, and dancer. They recorded music, performed at festivals, and made TV appearances. However, in the summer of 1989, some members pursued solo careers, leading Skelly Be and Steve Swaye to form a rap duo, become music producers, and establish their own production company, 18 Karot Production.
Their breakthrough came with the song Got It Goin' On, which gained recognition across the UK, Europe, and parts of the U.S. This success led to extensive touring, where they performed alongside acts such as Yazz, 2 Unlimited, Mark Morrison, UK Apache, Technotronic, The Luniz, and Gregory Isaacs. Skelly B's theatrical background shone through in his performances, incorporating acting elements into his stage presence, which eventually opened doors to film and television opportunities.
Skelly Be made appearances in films such as Bring Me The Head of Mavis Davis and Phoenix Blue, and was cast in short films like Jasper, The Ribbon, and My Time With Joe. Feeling a natural pull toward acting and DJing, he stepped away from 18 Karot Gold to fully embrace his artistic evolution. Reflecting on this transition, he says, "It was a natural progression, like a calling from a loved one that my heart just followed."
Now residing in South Dublin, Skelly Be is actively involved in film and television productions while also running his music TV show, Da Blast Vibe Show. Embracing this vibrant chapter of his life, he continues to bring great energy and passion to his creative endeavor's.
